ON FRIDAY 8th May we mark the 75th Anniversary of VE Day – the official end of the Second World War in Europe.

In 1945, the long-anticipated news that the Second World War had come to an end in Europe resulted in celebrations across the nation.

We are unable to celebrate this 75th anniversary in quite the same way, however Dorset Council has some great ideas and resources for families and communities to get involved, available on its website. I also invite you to show support by raising your union flags or bunting at home.

It’s the seventh week of lockdown and I anticipate the Prime Minister will deliver an address to the nation shortly, in which he intends announcing steps to "unlock the various parts of the UK economy". It has been a significant few weeks for Boris Johnson and I welcome him back in good health to Downing Street, while congratulating him, and Carrie, on the safe arrival of their son - Wilfred Lawrie Nicholas.

I said at the beginning of this crisis that we should expect a marathon, not a sprint, and I appreciate all you are doing to help maintain a relatively low rate of infection across West Dorset by continuing to stay at home. I also thank our frontline NHS doctors and nurses, GPs, carers and support staff who are working so tirelessly.

In other news, I’m relieved that the situation at Yeovil Crematorium, which serves many of us here in West Dorset, has eased at last and I thank South Somerset District Council for reinstating small-scale funerals in its chapel, in line with Government guidance. Finally, a reminder that NHS services are here for you this bank holiday weekend. Pharmacies, minor injuries units, and hospital emergency departments are all available should you need them.

CHRIS LODER

WEST DORSET MP